Worm ball construction toy

ABSTRACT

A flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy has a core with raised opposing ends. Each end has opposing worm-like appendages. A plurality of central rings each have a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core. Each of the plurality of rings have a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages. Any of the worm-like appendage central rings may be removed and replaced with rings having character or novelty trait appendages to create a unique toy for a child.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toys, and more particularly, to a flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy with worm-like appendages having the appearance of a ball of worms and capable of reassembly to take on certain character appendages or novelty traits such as eyes, feet, hands, flowers, hearts, stars, etc.

Previous worm ball toys have been known and also give an appearance of a ball of worms. These previous worm balls have been permanently fixed or glued together to create the appearance of a ball of worms. However, they are subject to many problems.

With all of the interstitial spaces deep down within the worm ball, dust, dirt, germs and the like can collect over time with use. These worm ball structures do not lend themselves to being cleaned in their interstitial spaces. Another significant problem includes the odiferous nature of the glues typically used to permanently assemble these balls of worms. Yet, still another problem includes the fact that these worm balls look just like worm balls and are incapable of taking on any other characteristic traits.

There is a need for a flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy that is easily cleaned and permits the child to create different characters therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy has a core with raised opposing ends. Each end has opposing worm-like appendages. A plurality of central rings each have a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core. Each of the plurality of rings have a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages. Any of the worm-like appendage central rings may be removed and replaced with rings having character appendages to create a unique toy for a child.

A principal object and advantage of the present invention is that the worm ball construction toy may be readily disassembled for complete cleaning.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that the disassembly and reassembly of the toy provides interest and delight for children.

Another object and advantage is that the disassembly and reassembly allows for the creation of different worm ball characteristics, appendages or novelty traits including hands, feet, eyes, flowers, hearts, stars, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in an assembled condition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the intermediate worm sections showing worm-like appendages and character appendages and traits in phantom outline.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the worm ball core with flared ends and opposing worm-like appendages

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toy being assembled.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the result of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the worm ball core supporting a plurality of intermediate worm sections.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative worm ball core.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THIRD EMBODIMENT

The toy of the present invention is generally shown at FIGS. 1-7 and is referenced as numeral 10. The worm ball construction toy 10 is suitably made of all plastic or rubber making it flexible, pliable, rubbery and stretchable without the use of offensive glues.

The toy generally includes a worm ball core 11 supporting worm-like appendages 14 upon which are mounted intermediate worm sections 24 which support a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages 28. As can be appreciated in FIGS. 1 and 2, character appendages or novelty traits like eyes, feet, hands, flowers, hearts or stars 27, 27.1. 27.2, 27.3, 27.4, 27.5 respectively and can be utilized in the assembly of the toy 10 to give it a creative personality or character appreciated by the child during the toy's 10 assembly.

More specifically, the worm ball construction toy 10 includes a thimble-like worm ball core 11. Opposite the core 11 ends are hubs, discs, or flared ends 12. From the ends 12 extend a plurality of worm-like appendages 14. The worm ball core 11 has a central axel 16 for receiving intermediate worm sections 24 as will be appreciated below.

FIG. 7 shows that core section 11 may have a thimble-like structure with axel 16 and hubs, discs, flared ends or raised ends 18 at opposite ends of the axel 16. A cover 20 suitably may be stretched over the raised ends 18 from which a plurality of worm-like appendages 14 extend.

The configuration of the intermediate worm section 24 may be appreciated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each intermediate worm section 24 has a central ring 25 with an aperture 26. Because the ring 25 is suitably made of rubbery plastic, the ring 25 may be expanded and slipped over the raised ends 18 onto axel 16 of core section 11. Radially extending from the central ring 25 may be eye character appendages 27, a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages 28, foot character appendages 27.1, hand character appendages 27.2, flower novelty appendages 27.3, heart novelty appendages 27.4, star novelty and/or appendages 27.5. The possibility of character appendages are infinitesimal and the eye 27 and foot 29 are shown as illustrative meaning that a multitude of characters can be created similar to Mr. Potato Head, as is well known.

FIG. 5 shows the intermediate worm section 24 fitted onto axel 16. FIG. 6 shows a plurality of intermediate worm section 24 on axel 16 in cross-section for ease of illustration.

The disassembly of the toy 10 is done in the opposite order. After which, the toy segments 11, 24, 27, 28 and 29 may be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. After which the worm ball construction toy may be reassembled in any of a variety of configurations and characters by the amused child.

The present invention is to be understood to be within the scope of the following claims. The embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only. 

1. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; and (b) a plurality of central rings, each having a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core and each ring having a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages.
 2. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1 wherein the ends each have opposing worm-like appendages.
 3. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1, further comprising character or novelty trait appendages.
 4. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; and with opposing worm-like appendages. (b) a plurality of central rings, each having a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core and each ring having a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages.
 5. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1, further comprising character or novelty trait appendages.
 6. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; with opposing worm-like appendages. (b) a plurality of central rings, each having a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core and each ring having a plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages; and (c) at least two character appendages extending from one of the rings. 